Bittersweet — that's how I would best describe the last 30+ years of researching my family history. What started as a history paper in high school has ballooned into a consuming passion, with many twists and turns. Not to mention all the crazy "coincidences" I have uncovered along the way.

Tackling big issues isn't easy. And while many avoid dealing with sensitive topics, or even deny they exist, those in the arts often embrace their platform and use their craft to raise awareness. Percy Julian Middle School is doing just that, tackling issues of race this school year through the CAST theater arts program.

At the start of the season, Trinity basketball head coach Mike Valente talked about how everything his Blazers do during the regular season is geared towards making a deep run in the IHSA girls state basketball tournament.

Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 officials are currently replacing fixtures and supply lines and shutting-off valves after 15 fountains and sinks at the high school tested for excessive amounts of lead last month.